Cruise Missile Support Activity Atlantic holds change of command ceremony

ByEnsignLucasBienstock

Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command NORFOLK Va Family friends colleaguesandshipmatesgatheredatNaval SupportActivityHamptonRoadstowitness the time-honored tradition of a change of command ceremony coupled with a retirementceremony.

Capt. Joseph R. O’Brien was relieved by Capt. Matthew T. Collins as commanding officer of Cruise Missile Support Activity Atlantic(CSMALANT) April6,2023.

“Iamgratefulforthetrustplacedinusby the Combatant Commanders, who rely on CMSALANT for Tomahawk Land Attack missile (TLAM) and hypersonic mission planning for their Navy, Marine Corps and Armycomponents,”saidO’Brien.

Under his command, O’Brien directly liaised with Combatant Commands and other agencies to provide Tomahawk operational integration consultations, mission planning,weaponeering,training,andother relatedservices.

Assuming command, O’Brien immediatelyrecognizedanopportunitytoincrease understanding of Tomahawk capabilities and the TLAM mission planning process. Hedevelopedacomprehensiveeducational approach to inform leadership of the true capabilities of the weapon system in order for the President of the United States and Commander of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to makefullyinformeddecisionsregardingthe employment of national assets Under his command,CMSALANTplannedmorethan 3,000Tomahawkmissions

“I am honored to have served my last Navytourworkingalongsidesuchdedicated governmentemployees,sailors,andairmen as those at Cruise Missile Support Activity, Atlantic,”saidO’Brien.“It’sbeenaprivilege toleadthisexceptionalteam,andIamproud ofwhatwehaveachievedtogether Ihaveno doubt CMSALANT will continue to thrive underthesteadyhandofCaptainCollins.”

During O’Brien’s remarks, he shared sea stories,thankedhisCMSALANTteamfora job well done, and remarked on his trust in Collinstakingovertheposition.

“Captain O’Brien has led CSMALANT through a period of significant growth, but there is more to come,” said Collins. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to build off his progress and work with an incredible team.”

ThemissionofCSMALANTistoplanand distribute TLAM missions and associated Command and Control (C2) to Tomahawk launch platforms and C2 nodes worldwide insupportofcombatantcommands